Michael Jordan's Daytona 500 ring: Tyler Reddick's 1-lap lead delivers NASCAR's biggest win

NBA legend Michael Jordan celebrates his first Daytona 500 victory as a team owner with 23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500 on Sunday with a last-lap pass, delivering NBA legend and 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan his first victory in NASCAR's biggest race. Jordan celebrated the win with an emotional embrace of Reddick in victory lane, and will receive a Daytona 500 ring for his 63rd birthday. The victory marked a Daytona sweep for three team owners heavily involved in a recent federal antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR.

Why it matters

Michael Jordan's involvement as a team owner in NASCAR has brought increased attention and star power to the sport. His first Daytona 500 win as an owner is a significant milestone, showcasing the growing influence of celebrity team owners and the continued popularity of the "Great American Race." The victory also highlights the ongoing tensions between team owners and NASCAR leadership following a recent antitrust lawsuit.

The details

Reddick, driving for Jordan and Denny Hamlin's 23XI Racing team, led only the final lap to claim the Daytona 500 victory. Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner, was involved in a late-race incident that set up the dramatic finish. Reddick made a decisive pass on Chase Elliott to take the checkered flag and deliver the win to Jordan, who celebrated exuberantly in victory lane.

  • Tyler Reddick led only the final lap to win the 2026 Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 16.
  • The race featured a late caution with 9 laps remaining that set up the dramatic finish.

The players

Tyler Reddick

A 30-year-old NASCAR Cup Series driver from Corning, California who won the 2026 Daytona 500 for the 23XI Racing team co-owned by Michael Jordan.

Michael Jordan

A six-time NBA champion and Basketball Hall of Famer who is a co-owner of the 23XI Racing NASCAR team.

Denny Hamlin

A three-time Daytona 500 winner and co-owner of the 23XI Racing team with Michael Jordan.

Bubba Wallace

A NASCAR driver who races for the 23XI Racing team co-owned by Michael Jordan.

Chase Elliott

A NASCAR driver who was leading late in the Daytona 500 before being passed by Tyler Reddick on the final lap.

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What they’re saying

“It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won't even know.”

— Michael Jordan (newser.com)

“He loves his race team. I was like 'You know, you guys understand the responsibilities you have, that you have the power to bring joy to Michael Jordan. You have that power and nobody else can do it.'”

— Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing Co-Owner (newser.com)

“Just incredible how it all played out. Just true Daytona madness. I've already lost my voice from screaming. Never thought I'd be Daytona 500 champion.”

— Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing Driver (newser.com)

What’s next

The judge in the federal antitrust lawsuit between NASCAR and the team owners involved in the Daytona 500 victory is expected to issue a final ruling on the case in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Michael Jordan's first Daytona 500 victory as a team owner highlights the growing influence of celebrity team owners in NASCAR and the ongoing tensions between team owners and the sanctioning body. The dramatic last-lap pass by Tyler Reddick delivered an emotional win for Jordan and showcased the unpredictable excitement of the "Great American Race."